Featured Artist Lisa Bartell

Oil painter Lisa Bartell finds whimsical animal and human forms in the textures and colors she creates on her canvas. Visit her website to see more of her work.

“Dance Your Life” Oil on Canvas, 36″ x 24″

Taking the path of an artist seemed an obvious choice. My mind was always in another world. The top branches of a tree became my spiral staircase to a glamorous ballroom, the clouds a place where I had a picnic with my boxer dog Mandy.

“French Boxing Clowns” Oil on Canvas, 30″ x 24″

My mother always engaged me with a variety of art materials and projects. She enrolled me in Saturday art classes and supported my decision to attend art school. My biggest inspiration remains a high school art teacher who gave weekly drawing assignments and praised my artistic skills. This is the power of a good teacher. After receiving a Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts, I worked as a designer, illustrator and portrait artist. Years later, major life changing events focused my attention on oil painting as an expression of self.

“Guardian Angels” Oil on Canvas, 30″ x 30″

I became aware that so much of my life and identity was based on false perceptions of my internal reality. Since this time, the inspiration behind my work has been the ongoing transformation of our personal perceptions of who we are.

“Living Among the Beasts” Oil on Canvas, 24″ x 24″

My painting process is a return to my childhood habit of staring at wood grain and discovering odd faces. I begin by partially covering the canvas with black paint.

“Martha and the Imaginary Menagerie” Oil on Canvas, 40″ x 30″

Using a variety of brush textures and sizes, I start blending the paint into organic lines and shapes which at first seem nebulous. A lot of focused staring at these forms begins the discovery of whimsical human and animal figures. I search for recognizable yet imaginary forms that challenge the norm of what is real.

“Pray for Humanity” Oil on Canvas, 24″ x 24″

Having a strong concept in mind and secret symbols is the only indication in my mind where a painting might be headed. I’m not a fast painter. Colors are layered and blended, images I wanted to keep are eliminated, patterns and texture are added by running a toothpick through wet paint.

“Resting and Imagining” Oil on Canvas, 24″ x 24″

I often turn the canvas upside down while painting. This is a great way to make sure the composition is working.

“Taking the Dance Back Inside” Oil on Canvas, 30″ x 24″

The completed figures are strange and displaced characters often living among what I endearingly call “majestic beasts.” They are an intermingled cast of characters creating a personal story of what is real. My goal is the creation of a colorful menagerie placed within an abstracted background which can always be reinterpreted.

“The Queen of Catland” Oil on Canvas, 48″ x 36″

My most current painting is “The Queen of Catland.” This is the first of a new series titled “Masquerade.” Because the mask is an ancient and universal symbol of identity, I thought it an interesting way to continue the expression of self identity.

“Wisdom of the Elephant Frog” Oil on Canvas, 36″ x 24″

The process of painting is what keeps me grounded and provides a feeling of contributing to the world. I like to believe that there is a higher Creative Energy which I can be a part of.

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!

Comments

Lisa is one of the most talented woman, I know. We met on facebook and instantly formed a friendship. Although we have never met in person, I feel a connection to her that I hold dear in my heart. We all have our own battles and lisa has expressed her challenges through amazing compositions and dynamic colors. We share a love of art and I was honored when she featured my art and story in her newsletter several years ago. I recently bought two pillows from her online collection that add a touch of beauty to my home. Anyone that owns Lisa’s art is truly blessed.

Thank you for your kind words. I have always felt a strong connection to you also. You are such a beautiful giving soul, that it would be impossible not to feel this way. Everyone should check out the art work of Lisa Freidus. She is an amazing artist.